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Sunday, October 30, 2016
2016 Home & Auto
Remove thatch before winter
Before saying “so long” Instead, commit to costly mistake come the to yard work at the end three or four easy pass- spring when your lawn of autumn, homeowners es with the rake, as this is looking to rebound. should remove thatch will collect the thatch If seeding the lawn in from their lawns. Thatch without damaging the early fall, which can be is (NAPS)—There dead grass that’s often Many people rent a great time to reseed, arelawn. a few identifiable by its yellowa dethatcher from a remove the thatch things you need to do to keep ish tint, and this dead nearby lawn and garbefore laying down any yourself and your precious cargo— grass, if left to loom in den supply store, and new seed. If you wait to kids, friends, pets—safe on snow, the lawn over the winter, such a device can make remove thatch until after ice, slush, black ice and wet roads. can block air and moisthe process of removing you have laid down new Safety on the road is important all ture from making its thatch much easier. seed, then the lawn likeyear-round, but winter weather way into the soil. However, be sure ly won’t benefit from the calls for extra caution behind the That can make it diffi- to clean the machine seed and you will likely wheel. That’s why many auto cult for a lawn to recover before using it on your just rake the new seed safety experts urge motorists to come the spring and lawn, as there is no way away when it comes time keep safety at the top theirwhat condition to remove thatch. may road even cost homeof of telling checklists this winter and switch Winter driving requires the right owners a substantial the previous renter’s to tires of specifically forin when tires,he experts say. amount money to designed lawn was cold weather address whendriving. winter or she used the device. small “Every of a winter finally skipsaspect town. When Failingtire to clean the slits—called sipes—provides extra road-biting edges for im has been thatch, engineered provide can removing resist todethatcher spread the best performance winter the temptation to rake indisease from proved a previ- winter traction. Five conditions temperature fluc- lawn with lots of and physical ous renter’s ontoTips For Winter Road Safety: tuations while too maintaining force, as raking hard your tracown, and that 1. Replace your all-season tion on any said can harm the surface,” lawn. can Mark prove another Marrufo of Discount Tire. “Keep- tires with winter tires for driving ing your family safe in every in temperatures of 45 degrees or aspect of life is your priority. It is below. Make sure to replace all our priority to keep you, your fam- four tires to avoid an unsafe tracily and your passengers safe while tion mismatch. 2. Don’t forget the wheels on the road.” of the switching to winter tires. At 45 degrees, vehiclesProduct often when lose their ability to brake and Having a set of wheels specifically turn well because of the rubber for your set of winter tires will compound found in all-season save money in the long run. 3. Check tire pressure regutires. That compound begins to Publisher Editor Advertising Director forget the spare. gradually harden when temps dip larly and don’t Barb Beck Tom McDonald Manny Gonzalez below 45 degrees, meaning de - Underinflated or overinflated tires creased road traction and less may result in poor handling, Advertising Salesand ice uneven tread Graphic Design wear and poor fuel grip. What’s more, snow often pile upBrian in theCastro tire grooves on consumption. Sandra Martinez 4. Rotate your tires at least all-season tires. Erika Montoya Mary Morgan Winter tires, on the other hand, every 5,000 miles or earlier if irregular or uneven wear develops. areCirculation made withDirector higher-silica Layout com- Design Cover Design 5. Make sure the tire shop that pounds. This allows the tire to Jim Dishman Corinna Martinez Misty cold temdeliver much better traction, which gets your tires ready forChoy reduces skidding and im proves peratures properly torques the lug braking. In fact, in temperatures nuts to the specifications for your below 45 degrees, winter tires can vehicle. PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES If you’re not sure if you need provide 25 to 50 percent more tracDESERT .......................................... 6 ROSWELLtires, SEED .................................... 7 winter you can get a free tion thanSUN all-season tires. Two new FARMfor BUREAU FINANCIAL SERVICES ... 3 safety inspection any Discount tires this winter that use this SUN COUNTRY REALTYat ......................... 5 GEORGE’S CARPET ............................... 5 technology are the Bridgestone Tire location. For more facts about VANTAGE ENGINEERING ....................... 2 GLENN’S FURNITURE ............................ 4 winter tire safety or to find a DisWS80 and Michelin X-Ice Xi3. 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Get Your Car Ready For Winter Roads
2016 Fall Home & Auto
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FALL HOME & AUTO
PAGE 5
2016 Home & Auto
Protect pipes from freezing this winter
Freezing pipes are a concern for homeowners who live in cold climates when temperatures dip Freezing pipes are a concern for homeowners who live in cold climates. When temperatures dip below freezing, the risk that pipes will freeze rises. Should a pipe burst, the damage that results can be extensive and costly. Any pipe can freeze, but those that are directly exposed to the cold are the most vulnerable. These include pipes that feed outdoor hoses, swimming pool supply lines, pipes in unheated indoor rooms (i.e., basements or garages), and any pipes that run close to the outdoors through uninsulated walls. Water expands as it freezes, and that expansion can place pressure on whatever is trying to contain it — including pipes. To avoid serious damage, homeowners need to prepare for the arrival of colder weather and be smart about how they protect pipes. • Drain water from swimming pools and water sprinkler supply lines prior to the onset of cold weather. Drain water before freezing temperatures arrive, and don’t forget to drain outdoor garden hoses and store them inside after watering season has come and gone. • Close indoor water valves that feed outdoor spigots/bibs. Open the spigot outside to allow water to drain out. Keep the outside valve open so that any water that has accumulated will continue to drain and expand outward without damaging the pipe. An insulated bib dome also can help prevent
frozen pipes. • Open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach pipes inside of cabinets. Keep the doors open to spaces that may not be heated or insulated as well as other areas of the home so that heat can find its way inside. Consider wrapping these pipes with an insulating material as well, such as heat tape or pipe sleeves. • Maintain a consistent thermostat temperature. Ensure the temperature inside your home does not drop below 55 F; otherwise, problems can arise. Use a programmable thermostat to keep the house comfortable even when you are not home. Individuals who are traveling should set the thermostat so that it will keep the home at the recommended temperature to avoid frozen pipes. • Open one faucet. When it is very cold outside, particularly at night, let water slowly drip from one faucet to prevent freezing. Choose the sink that is furthest from where water enters the house so water is flowing through all of the pipes to reach that faucet. • Increase insulation around where pipes enter the house. Use insulating foam to seal any drafts where pipes enter the house from the outdoors. Frozen pipes cannot always be avoided. Therefore, it is important that everyone in the household knows how to shut off the main water valve in the event a pipe bursts. This can prevent expensive damage to a home.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
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Sunday, October 30, 2016
2016 Home & Auto
How to remove snow from your roof
through gutters and downspouts. A common contributor to ice dams is inadequate ventilation and insulation in attics. Heat from the interior of the home that rises into the attic can cause the roof to warm up enough to melt the snow. This is easily remedied by having ample insulation and ensuring proper ventilation of the attic to maintain temperatures cool enough to prevent underside melting of snow.
Signs of a problem Heavy snow accumulation on the roof can lead to problems like leaks or even complete roof collapse.
The beauty of winter landscapes is not foremost on the minds of homeowners who have roofs full of heavy snow and ice. What may seem beautiful elsewhere can cause anxiety when one’s home is under a precipitation onslaught. Excessive snow loads on a roof can cause the roof to leak or even collapse. The weight, and not the depth, of the snow is what determines if it needs to be removed from the roof. Fluffy snow may not be problematic, as it can take around seven times as much dry snow to equal the weight of wet snow. After a snowstorm, go outside and lift a few shovelfuls of snow. If it’s back-breaking work, then the snow on your roof may be dangerous. Homes built to code can typically handle the snow and ice load that comes with the winter season. However, homes that have undergone unapproved renovations, or those where load-bearing walls have been removed from the interior may be susceptible to catastrophic roof collapses. Another problem homeowners face this time of year is ice dams, which occur when snow on the roof melts slightly and then refreezes, forming thick portions of ice usually at the edges of the roof by the gutters. Ice dams can divert melting snow in and under roofing shingles instead of
If you experience any leaks from the ceiling or notice water coming down walls, a roof leak from excess snow or ice dams may be the culprit. Snow that is too heavy may create cracks in plaster and drywall and cause sagging that affects the framework of interior doorways. If you hear creaking or popping sounds, immediately exit the house, as these are strong indicators of an imminent collapse.
Clearing the roof
The Better Business Bureau warns against going up on the roof if you cannot safely remove the snow with an ice rake or similar tool. You should not jeopardize your health by trying to remove snow and ice. Confirm that contractors who remove snow have current liability and worker’s compensation insurance before hiring them. Contractors will charge anywhere from $60 to $300 per hour to remove snow from the roof. Always inquire in advance as to what a fee covers. Even after snow is removed, there’s no guarantee it will not accumulate again. Keep in mind that some snow and ice removal remedies can invalidate the warranty on recently installed roof shingles. This is something that must be weighed before proceeding with snow removal. Home insurance policies may or may not cover the cost of snow removal and damage. Call your insurance company to find out what your policy covers. Keep good records for the cost of all repairs to see if you can be reimbursed.
2016 Home & Auto
Sunday, October 30, 2016
Improvement projects for your fall to-do list
Homeowners know that maintaining a home can be a year-round job. No home is immune to wear and tear, and homeowners who want to protect their real estate investments should try to stay two steps ahead to ensure their homes do not succumb to the elements or become outdated and unappealing to prospective buyers. Fall has become a season that’s synonymous with home improvement, but homeowners need not wait until the leaves begin changing colors to start planning their next projects. The following are a few items homeowners can add to their fall home improvement to-do lists. Roof inspection Less precipitation tends to fall during the warmer months than during the late fall and winter. As a result, homeowners may not be aware of leaky roofs until autumn has come and gone. But waiting until winter to inspect the roof can prove disastrous, as weather conditions will not be conducive to inspection and increased precipitation may result in potentially costly damage. Leaky roofs can be easily identified by looking for
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Autumn is a great time to inspect patios that might have endured some wear and tear with heavy use during spring and summer.
water stains on interior ceilings. Once you see a stain, you can climb onto the roof to identify the location of the leak and fix it before winter rains and snowfall turn the problem into something much larger. Inspect your ceilings for signs of leaking after a strong rainfall, and then address them immediately. Gutter cleaning While some homeowners prefer to delay their gutter cleaning projects until late fall, those whose homes are surrounded by trees may need to schedule two such projects. Gutters clogged
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with leaves and other debris can cause serious roof damage, and that damage can extend all the way inside a home. In addition, clogged gutters make great nesting areas for insects or critters. Always stand on a ladder when cleaning gutters, wearing gloves to remove items by hand and dropping leaves and debris into a trash can below. Standing on the roof and leaning over gutters greatly increases your risk of injury. If the gutters are clear when you first examine them in early fall, you can wait until later in the season to give them a complete and thorough cleaning. Once you have finished clearing the gutters, you can use a hose to run water through them and the downspouts to confirm everything is functioning properly. Window and doorway inspection Before temperatures start dropping once again, homeowners will want to inspect their windows and doorways for leaks. Over time, cracks can develop around windows and doorways, and while such cracks are rarely noticeable when the weather outside is warm, they can be quite obvious and very costly if they remain unsealed come the start
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of winter. Cold air can enter a home through cracks around windows and doorways, and many homeowners who don’t suspect leaks may respond by turning up the thermostats in their homes. That can prove quite expensive over a full winter. Choose a windy autumn day to place a hand by windows and external doorways in your home to see if you can feel drafts. If you can, seal these cracks as soon as possible. Patio cleanup Patios are popular hangouts during spring and summer, and that can result in a lot of wear and tear. Once you store patio furniture for the winter, inspect your entire patio to determine if it needs any refurbishing. While certain patio projects may be best left for spring, you can still clean any stained areas around the grill and look for cracks in the sidewalk that need to be addressed. Preparing for fall home improvement projects ahead of time can help homeowners complete projects in a timely manner and ensures they won’t be forced to brave the winter elements when refurbishing their homes.
Sunday, October 30, 2016
2016 Home & Auto
Preparing your vehicles for harsh weather stations for little cost. Wipers Visibility is key in hazardous weather conditions, and keeping the windshield clean is a priority. This means ensuring there is enough windshield wiper fluid in the car and that it is a product that will not freeze. Wiper blades can freeze and crack in the winter. Older blades may be more susceptible to damage. It’s a worthy
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JOSH
Replace existing wiper blades at the beginning of each winter so driver visibility is not compromised.
DAVID
DESERT SUN
investment to replace existing wiper blades at the start of each winter. When vehicles are parked, pull the wipers off of the windshield to safeguard them from sticking and cracking. Cold weather requires drivers to amp up their vehicle maintenance routines. Consult with a mechanic or automotive retailer for more ideas and products that can help your vehicles operate safely and efficiently this winter.
JOHN
make your car’s parts most durable for winter weather. Do not stop washing your car just because the weather is cold. Slushy, wet roads and snow-melting salts can speed up the formation of rust or other decay on the undercarriage of the vehicle. These materials will need to be periodically cleaned off. Flush the underside of the vehicle whenever possible, taking advantage of any dry, slightly warmer days. Tire pressure According to the automotive retailer Pep Boys, vehicle tires lose a pound of air pressure for every 10-degree drop in temperature. Many modern cars will alert to changes in air pressure, and drivers should be diligent in maintaining the proper tire pressure. Fuel economy as well as handling ability can decline when tires are not inflated properly. Tires can be refilled at many gas
FREDDIE
affecting battery performance. According to AAA’s Automotive Research Center, at 32 F, the average battery loses 35 percent of its strength. Newer batteries can be protected by starting the vehicle each day to warm up and recharge the battery. Let the car run for at least 10 minutes. Exterior maintenance Keeping a car waxed and sealed can help maintain a durable exterior finish. This includes not only the paint, but the rubber and vinyl parts of the car’s exterior. Winter is a good time to switch to a heavy-duty synthetic wax that can shield against water and road salts. High-quality sealants can be used on bumpers, trim and rubber door seals as added protection. Speak with an automotive retailer or even the car dealership if you are unsure which products will
BRYAN
As the seasons change, motorists must take steps to safeguard their vehicles, especially when the season changes from fall to winter. Each winter, many vehicles are subjected to sub-zero temperatures, snowfall and icy roads, and such conditions can take their toll on vehicles over time. Taking steps to prepare vehicles for winter weather is a vital step that can make cars and trucks safer for drivers and their passengers. Battery Old batteries should be replaced before winter begins. Without a strong, properly functioning battery, engines cannot turn over. Most batteries last between three and five years. However, extreme cold can compromise batteries, especially those that have been around awhile. Batteries are made up of acid and water, and cold temperatures can freeze the water, thereby
THOMAS
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DODGE BOYS www.desertsunmotors.com
Sunday, October 30, 2016 Pointers for lawn care before winter arrives
2016 Home & Auto
Importance of clean gutters
Every autumn, trees and shrubs take on their brilliant display of reds, oranges, purples, and yellows that mark the end of the growing season. Fall foliage may make for ideal photo backdrops and scenic days in the countryside, but at home leaves may be more of a hindrance than an aesthetic pleasure. All the leaves that adorn the maples, oaks and other trees near homes will eventually fall as autumn turns into winter. Some will float down to lawns, while others will get lodged in gutters and downspouts, posing problems that can cause substantial and costly problems for homeowners. Homeowners know that gutter cleaning is an important part of fall home maintenance, but they may not completely understand why. Gutter cleaning can be a messy and time-consuming project, making it a project many homeowners are apt to put off. Waiting to clean gutters can lead to considerable problems, so it’s best to tackle the job well in advance of the winter. Gutters guide rainwater and runoff from the roof so it drains properly away from homes. When gutters are clogged with leaves, many problems can occur. • Leaks: Water will take the path of least resistance. When clogged gutters
do not allow the water to drain away properly, water will find other ways to the ground. It may work itself right into the walls and ceilings of the home. In addition to damaging walls and ceilings, moisture inside the home can promote mold growth. It also makes interior spaces more appealing to pests. • Excess weight: Gutters are meant to hold the weight of traveling water and not much more. Gutters filled with leaves and other debris can quickly become heavy. This stresses the entire gutter system and can cause the gutters to fall off of the home entirely. • Nesting areas: Clogged gutters can serve as nesting areas for insects and birds. Mosquitoes and other insects lay eggs in pooling water. Gutters can quickly become breeding spots for harmful pests. Furthermore, birds may nest in gutters, creating unsightly messes and more damage. Seeds that sprout in clogged gutters can grow unchecked. • Ice-damming: Left untreated, pooled water and leaves in gutters can freeze over. Blocked water can back up and push against the roof, lifting shingles and destroying the roof in the process. • Foundation trouble: Clogged gutters also may contribute to flooded basements and cracked foundations. Leaking water will pool around the foundation, expanding when frozen and causing cracks in basement and crawlspace walls. It also can cause driveways and other cement areas around the home to sag and crack. Gutter cleaning should be scheduled in the spring and fall of each year. Homeowners can hire gutter-cleaning services to handle the job or do the job themselves. Rinse the gutters with water from the hose afterward to ensure good run-off. Take the time to seal any leaks as well. This routine maintenance can save homeowners many headaches and prevent some very expensive repairs
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AUTO SERVICE 515 S. Virginia 575-624-0728
Since 1945
Winter weather can be harsh, especially on lawns. Homeowners who spend much of spring and summer tending to their lawns may fear the impact that winter will have on their once-lush landscapes, making the fall a great time to fortify lawns against any harsh conditions to come. Homeowners must take grass type into consideration before taking steps to prepare their lawns for the winter. Some grasses are best fertilized in late-summer, while others should be fertilized in autumn. Coolseason grasses, including fescue and bluegrass, are best fertilized sometime between the months of September and November. Warm-season grasses, such as Bermuda or zoysia, should be fertilized between July and September. 1. Explore winterizing fertilizers. Homeowners who want to make their grasses more winter hardy can consult landscaping professionals to determine if winterizing fertilizers will work for their lawns. These specially formulated fertilizers, many of which are made exclusively for cool-season grasses, contain higher levels of potassium and lower levels of nitrogen than early-season fertilizers. Potassium helps strengthen and harden plants, and cool-season grasses may need extra potassium as winter settles in. Homeowners who are not sure if they should apply winterizing fertilizer can conduct soil tests to determine the potassium levels in their soil. If the test indicates the soil has sufficient potassium, then applying a winterizing fertilizer is likely unnecessary. In addition, homeowners who have fed their lawn a balance of nutrients throughout spring and summer likely will not need to apply winterizing fertilizer. 2. Get rid of fallen leaves. While fallen leaves may be integral components of idyllic autumn landscapes, leaves left on the lawn throughout the winter may lead to disease in the grass. Leaves trap moisture and block sunlight and air
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from reaching grass, and that can encourage the development of disease. In addition, leaves can harbor insects that also may contribute to disease. While it might seem like common sense to delay leaf removal until the end of autumn when all the leaves have fallen, that, too, can prove harmful to lawns. Leaves left laying on lawns for long periods of time can contribute to the same types of damage as leaves left on the lawn throughout winter, so try to remove leaves as they fall. 3. Take steps to fight snow mold. If snow falls into spring or spring tends to be cold and damp, you may want to take steps to prevent snow mold. Gray snow mold typically looks fuzzy and gray, and lawns infested with snow mold may develop unsightly gray or brown spots indicative of dead grass. Pink snow mold may be even worse than gray snow mold because pink mold attacks the roots and leaves. To prevent snow mold, continue mowing into the fall, even as lawns grow dormant, clearing the lawn of grass clippings and leaves after each mow. Thick lawns may provide a breeding ground for snow mold, so homeowners can benefit from mowing their lawns into the fall.
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Sunday, October 30, 2016
2016 Home & Auto
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